Is your period different after having a baby?

[smzapalac]

I have noticed after having my DD that my PMS and period are completely different than before having my DD. Is that normal? She is now 2, but my cycle has been different every month since I stopped nursing her at 4 months. Some months are really bad and other months it's no big deal. This month before my period starts I feel crampy and nauseous. Not sure if this should be expected after child birth?

[Jenn98]

I only had one period between my two DDs, so I don't have much BTDT advice, but I have heard that it is very common to have *everything* change after having a baby including your period, PMS, and cycle in general. What did your GYN say about it?

[smzapalac]

I haven't talked to him about it, but he did say after I gave birth that there could be some changes. I just didn't think they would be as dramatic as they are. It is like night and day.

[lorien_ca]

yep, it was very wonky, from 10mos when it returned until 15mos after we weaned (at 14.5mos). for that 5 mos it was all over the place with both the length of the total cycle and period as well as other symptoms. once we were fully weaned, it settled into a pretty regular, but very different pattern. my cycle got A LOT shorter (when not on the pill pre-DS, it used to be 38-39days, now it's 25-26). my period got longer - a full 7days vs. 5 before (altho it was only 6 last month when i started using the diva cup thanks to the saavy moms around here). i had 2-3 days each cycle of pretty bad PMS/cramps/constipation before when not on the pill, now i have 1 bad day, sometimes only 1/2 a day. anyway, long story short, my ob said (at my annual last august when it was still wonky) - 'that's normal after a baby, especially if you BF.' and to keep tracking it and let her know if it didn't start to return to a more normal pattern within another 3-4mos (so about 6mos post weaning). so since it sounds like you're well beyond that, if it were me, i'd give your ob-gyn a call.

hth, lori
Sam 5/19/05 How lucky I am that you chose me.

[tarynsmum]

My DD is only a year old, and I'm still nursing, but it seems much lighter, and doesn't last as long. However, it does seem to occur more often (but I've never had a "regular" cycle.

[scoop22]

YES and it is driving me nuts. i used to know the exact time i would start and stop before ds. now i swear i have cramps for days before and after. i am miserable. now i do think it is much lighter but the cramps for me are killing me. i am hoping this is due to the fact that i didn't have af for 2 1/2 years. and i am just getting this back. i have only had mine for 4 mo. i also changed the pill i am on. i am wondering if it is that.. i plan to call the dr. if my headaches don't go away next month. maybe he can help me out. i hope yours gets better. being nauseous stinks.

http://b2.lilypie.com/XbITm4.png

[R2sweetboys]

Yes, definitely. Mine are heavier and longer-ugh! I have more cramps too but they're not too bad. I'm getting the Mirena in March and I can't wait!

~Leslie

SAHM to...
Ryan 8/14/00
Matthew 2/14/03

[hillview]

My period was much lighter and shorter then before having DS.
/hillary

my pms has gotten a bit better and my periods are more regular and shorter and lighter, but ds is 10 months and i'm still breastfeeding.